By Miriam Humbe
“As Chiefs of Defence Staff and heads of our armed forces, we must lead the charge in modernizing our forces, investing in cyber defence, artificial intelligence, and indigenous military technology, without which it would be difficult for us to achieve our security”.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff said this on Monday in an address to the African Chiefs of Defence Summit which held in Abuja.
General Musa said the battlefield is evolving even as the threats of today are no longer confined to conventional warfare but are digital, asymmetric, and often invisible.
The Defence Chief assured that Nigeria stands ready to work with her brothers and sisters across the African continent to develop frameworks that are proactive, resilient, and responsive to the realities of our time.
He said: “The challenges before us are great, but so too is our resolve.
“Let us rise above division and embrace unity. Let us build a continent where our people can live free from fear, and where our armed forces are symbols of stability, professionalism, and pride.
“Let us use this summit to explore how we can build a defence industrial base that is Africa in origin, Africa in design, and Africa in purpose.”
General Musa said that the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS), the African Union’s Peace and Security Architecture, and other regional mechanisms have provided a vital foundation, “but we must now build upon this foundation with greater resolve.
“We must be the architects of our own security and destiny. As we deliberate on strategy and policy, let us not forget the brave men and women who serve under our command.
“Many have paid the ultimate price in defence of our nations. Their courage and sacrifice must inspire us to build institutions that are not only strong, but just and accountable.
General Musa extended the deepest appreciation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his dynamic leadership and unwavering support to the nation’s Armed Forces.
He appreciated regional institutions such as ECOWAS, international allies, developmental agencies and private sector collaborators whose unwavering support made the summit a reality.
“We will never forget the United Nations that have continued to provide the platform for peace all over the world.
“Your contributions, technical expertise, strategic collaboration and other forms of support have been instrumental in bringing today’s summit into fruition.
“We are grateful. To my fellow brothers and colleagues, the Chiefs of Defence Staff from across the African continent, I salute your commitment, your condor and your courage”, he said.
A minute silence was observed in honour of those that have paid the supreme price for peace in Africa.
